60 Years of Rodari and Munari's 'Favole al telefono'

In 1962, Gianni Rodari and Bruno Munari collaborated on 'Favole al telefono', published by Giulio Einaudi in the 'Gli struzzi/14' series. The book contains 70 short fables, many previously unpublished, with a few appearing in 'Corriere dei piccoli'. Rodari's modern fables depart from traditional fairy tales, focusing on everyday objects and a playful, utopian science fiction. Munari's illustrations, described as 'fugitive images', visually translate Rodari's light-hearted spirit. The cover features the S62 'Bigrigio' telephone designed by Lino Saltini. The book was dedicated to Rodari's daughter and all children. Correspondence in the Einaudi Archive reveals the publisher's enthusiasm but delays, with Rodari insisting on a Christmas release. Over 60 years, numerous Italian editions have been published by Einaudi Ragazzi, including a 1990s version illustrated by Francesco Tullio Altan. Rodari's work has been translated into many languages.